26.39°C Vancouver

Mar 6, 2024 6:53 PM - The Connect News

Canada announces new immigration pilots to support rural and Francophone minority communities, will create a permanent program

Share On
canada-announces-new-immigration-pilots-to-support-rural-and-francophone-minority-communities-will-create-a-permanent-program
Rural and Francophone minority communities are critical to Canada’s long-term growth, and regional immigration plays a key role in strengthening their economies.(Photo: The Canadian Press)

Rural and Francophone minority communities are critical to Canada’s long-term growth, and regional immigration plays a key role in strengthening their economies. In particular, the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) has been successful in connecting businesses and employers in remote communities with the skilled newcomers they need to thrive.

That is why today, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced new pilots for rural and Francophone minority communities, as Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) continues work toward creating a permanent rural immigration program. These are the Rural Community Immigration Pilot and the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot.

The Rural Community Immigration Pilot will launch in the fall of 2024. It aims to ensure that rural communities continue to have the ability to access programs that address labour shortages and help local businesses find the workers they need. It will provide pathways to permanent residence for newcomers who can help to overcome critical labour job shortages and want to live long term in these smaller communities.

Latest news

tall-timber-building-boosts-student-housing-at-bcits-burnaby-campus
BCAug 25, 2025

Tall Timber building boosts student housing at BCIT’s Burnaby campus

The British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) has officially opened its new Tall Timber student housing residence at the Burnaby campus, expanding affordable on-campus housing options for students. “We’re excited to bring more affordable student housing to BCIT’s Burnaby campus for the first time in 40 years,” said Jessie Sunner, Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills. “This new facility will offer students more housing options steps away from their classes, reduce commute times and ease pressure on the local rental market. With better access to housing, student
BCAug 25, 2025

Langley RCMP: Catalytic converter thefts on the rise

The Langley RCMP is advising the public of a noticeable increase in catalytic converter thefts across the community in recent weeks. Catalytic converters are targeted because of the precious metals they contain and replacing a stolen one can be costly for vehicle owners. Thieves often target vehicles parked in driveways, unsecured lots, and on quiet streets, usually during the night or early morning hours, said Sergeant Zynal Sharoom of the Langley RCMP. Larger vehicles such as SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans are especially vulnerable due to their higher ground clearance. What you can do to prot
proposed-changes-will-make-it-easier-for-families-to-navigate-legal-system
BCAug 25, 2025

Proposed changes will make it easier for families to navigate legal system

The Province is intending to propose changes to the Family Law Act (FLA) to give more support to families and people experiencing family violence and to offer more parenting arrangements that put children’s needs first. The proposed changes come from a policy paper developed during Phase 2 of the multi-year review of the Family Law Act. The FLA is the main law that deals with family violence, guardianship, parenting duties, support payments and dividing property after a separation. The review looks at how the law can better reflect today’s society and recent court decisions. “This is the
punjabi-truck-driver-involved-in-crash-and-accused-of-being-in-us-illegally-denied-bail
WorldAug 25, 2025

Punjabi truck driver involved in crash and accused of being in US illegally, denied bail

A Florida judge on Saturday denied bail to truck driver Harjinder Singh in connection with a fatal crash in Fort Pierce. Harjinder was arrested on August 16 in connection with the August 12 crash. Investigators say Singh attempted to make an illegal U-turn with his semitruck, which caused a minivan to collide with a trailer, killing all three occupants. The Trump administration says Harjinder Singh, 28, was in the United States illegally and entered the United States illegally from Mexico in 2018. He is being held in the St. Lucie County Jail. Judge Lauren Sweet denied bail, saying that Har
human-remains-discovered-in-burned-vehicle-near-kamloops-b-c-rcmp
BCAug 25, 2025

Human remains discovered in burned vehicle near Kamloops, B.C.: RCMP

Police in Kamloops, B.C., say human remains were found in a burned out vehicle on a road north of the city on Saturday. Mounties say the Tk’emlups Rural RCMP responded to a reported vehicle fire on Tranquille-Criss Creek Road, where they found a burned black 2019 Volkswagen Golf that they believe was stolen. They say officers found human remains inside the car, and the region's major crime unit is now investigating the suspicious death. Staff Sgt. Jason Smart with the Southeast District Major Crime Unit says they're looking for the public's assistance to figure out what led to the fire and d

Related News